Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the dearth of media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the inauguration of the seventh President of the republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, President Chamisa said he last appeared on national television when he was a Member of Parliament long back.
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the will of the people.
“In Zimbabwe we only have one television station, which is a bizarre scenario.
It is sad to note that as the leader of the alternative, I am being denied coverage.
They don’t even allow me to express my views on national television.
Despite the setbacks, we are unshakable and unbreakable,” said President Chamisa.
The MDC Alliance leader also scoffed at the “Twitter President” claims…
” They ( Zanu PF bigwigs) say I am a Twitter President…
I am happy they acknowledge that I am a President,” said President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
The MDC-T is now a house of confusion as it’s leadersare reportedly relying with sangomas and prophets to seek spiritual powers to win the 2023 general elections.
Mwonzora’s top officials were reportedly spotted during night at the house of Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.
Makomichi is known for distributing love and business charms .
Reports say Mwonzora and his followers are seeking secret powers to win elections.
“I don’t disclose the names of my clients, but as for Mwonzora I can’t pray for him because his bad luck is insurmountable. Of course I can make make everyone who approaches me rich but Mwonzora’s issue is too complicated. I don’t want to take his money for nothing that’s why I denied their seeding, they said they want secret powers for elections” Makomichi claimed.
One political analyst has pointed out that MDC-T is wasting time by seeking powers to win elections from Makomichi because the preacher himself also hates Mwonzora.
Mwonzora is being used by Zanu PF to destroy Nelson Chamisa.
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has died.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
The Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) has exonerated the MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa from a fake story claiming that the opposition leader facilitated a US$300 000 funding grant the minority group got from the US Embassy.
GALZ said they never received such a grant from the United States embassy in Harare.
In the fake news post, purportedly published by NewZimbabwe.com, the authors claimed GALZ was grateful to the opposition political outfit, MDC Alliance, and its leader Nelson Chamisa for facilitating the release of the funds.
By A Correspondent- Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande was allegedly ambushed and assaulted by an unknown man in South Africa where he is based, resulting in substantial damage to his car.
The road rage incident happened on Saturday night in Roodepoort on the West Rand, News24reported.
The 35-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who currently plays for newly promoted Sekhukhune United, opened a case of common assault and malicious damage to property at the Honeydew police station. The case is being investigated.
According to Katsande’s statement to the police, seen by City Press, the altercation was allegedly sparked by a man in a white Ford EcoSport who showed him the “middle figure” while driving on Hendrick Potgieter and Peter roads. The statement read:
White male came out of his vehicle and hit me with his fists on my head. He also break (sic) my right window and right side mirror on my vehicle. He hit my vehicle with his foot on the side. The total value of the damage is R50 000.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubele had not responded to media enquiries at the time of publishing.
Katsande confirmed the incident saying, “with due respect kindly note that I can’t comment any further on this matter.”
By A Correspondent-The police have arrested nine former war liberation fighters for demanding their pensions.
The nine were arrested on Wednesday and will spend their second night in police detention.
They were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension, which they equated to bread crumbs.
Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta are the nine war veterans.
They are being represented by Paida Saurombe and Chawona Kanoti, from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Under careful watch, Minister Obadiah Moyo administers cholera vaccine on president Mnangagwa-file
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | While the rapid development of vaccines against COVID‑19 is an extraordinary achievement, successfully vaccinating the global population presents many challenges, from production to distribution, deployment, and importantly, acceptance. Trust in the vaccines is vital, and is critically dependant on the ability of governments to communicate the benefits of vaccination, and to deliver the vaccines safely and effectively.
The government plays a greater role in promoting confidence in the effectiveness and safety through effective communication, as well as trust in their ability to procure and distribute them efficiently and equitably.
While a larger part of the population holds strong anti-vaccination views, hesitancy about COVID‑19 vaccination is evident in many countries not only Zimbabwe. Recognising that vaccination campaigns of the magnitude needed are unprecedented, government actions to garner trust will be essential to their success, and to the emergence of more resilient society after the crisis. Zimbabwe government has gone past a four million mark with great focus on the ten million soon. Average number of new infections reported each day in Zimbabwe falls by more than 1,200 over the last 3 weeks, 52% of its previous peak. COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Zimbabwe, with 324 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 14% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on July 15.
There have been 123,320 infections and 4,320 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.
Zimbabwe has administered at least 3,958,174 doses of COVID vaccines so far. Assuming every person needs 2 doses, that’s enough to have vaccinated about 13.5% of the country’s population.
While the development of COVID‑19 vaccines has been an extraordinary success, vaccinating most of the global population is an enormous challenge, one for which gaining – and maintaining – public trust in COVID‑19 vaccines and vaccination will be as essential as the effectiveness of the vaccines themselves. Moreover, the experience with COVID‑19 will likely shape confidence in other vaccines making it even more important to build confidence at this time.
Trust in vaccination, and in the ability of governments to communicate, and to successfully deliver a vaccination programme, is critically dependent on:
the extent to which the government can instil and maintain public confidence in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines;
Given the speed at which COVID‑19 vaccine development has taken place it is important for governments to emphasise that no developmental or regulatory corners were cut in the process, as: development was facilitated by extensive prior research, unprecedented levels of international collaboration among researchers, and massive public investment in R&D and manufacturing capacity; and
approval processes were accelerated, in part through procedures that allow the acceptance of more preliminary evidence in circumstances of public emergency; and with COVID‑19 products accorded the highest priority by regulators.
Successful vaccination campaigns also require governments to partner and support community organisations to conduct extensive and well-managed community engagement. A thorough understanding is needed of different populations’ specific concerns, prior experiences both with vaccination and the health system in general, religious and/or political affiliations, and socio-economic status. It is also important to ensure that government actions are open to public scrutiny, and that public institutions engage with the population.
We must remember that fairness is a hallmark of human behaviour that underpins social cohesion and trust. Governments must therefore manage public expectations and explain why it is fair that particular population groups within a country are not allowed to meet without vaccination.The most important ingredient in all vaccines is trust. Our parents trusted clinics who gave us jabs for flue jabs for polio and so many ailments.
There is broad agreement within the global scientific community that the most effective way to defeat the COVID‑19 pandemic is through the mass vaccination of populations around the world. The development of vaccines for COVID‑19 has been a powerful demonstration of how substantial public funding, intense focus, and unprecedented levels of scientific collaboration can help spur innovation to address global public needs in a very short time. However, the approval and rollout of vaccines does not herald the immediate end of the health crisis, as attaining herd immunity will require the vaccination of a very substantial proportion of population, and is therefore a major challenge. To succeed in the government’s effort to immunise billions of people as rapidly as possible, civic organisations including churches need to give priority to addressing issues of trust – trust both in vaccines, and in the institutions responsible for the vaccination endeavour. They need to promote confidence among the public in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, as well as in the capacity of governments to manage the logistical challenges competently.
Despite the efforts put by the government of Zimbabwe we still have several civic organisations who have exhibited increasing levels of distrust in government capacity to handle the crisis and implement coherent policies This has resulted in declining compliance with public health-related rules, and increasing scepticism about long-term economic recovery. More broadly, the pandemic has triggered widespread disinformation that has undermined both understanding and acceptance of science and public policy and this extends to the issue of vaccine acceptance. Despite widespread recognition that COVID‑19 is a critical issue to people all around the globe, many remain unwilling to be vaccinated.
However, by the end of May 2021 an average of 60% of the population across zimbabwe indicated willingness to be vaccinated. This was reflected in the number of those vaccinated and those queuing for vaccine.
Not surprisingly, trust in the safety of vaccines has also been seriously tested by recent reports of rare, but serious, adverse events with a probable causal link to the Christian and other religious groups.
Both the safety signal, and the different mixed sermons on the vaccine have undermined public confidence. That said, there is also evidence to suggest that as more people are vaccinated, more will be inclined to accept vaccination. While this may to some degree indicate a gradual dissipation of initial fears about the safety of novel vaccines it may also reflect that being vaccinated gradually becomes normative, and is increasingly accepted as the path out of restriction and confinement.
Trust in vaccines must also be complemented by trust in the institutions responsible for vaccination. Lack of acceptance of vaccination may derive from previous failures of health systems and public institutions to serve certain population groups effectively and engender their trust. In general, trust in institutions is critical for the effective functioning of society and acceptance of public policy, and particularly so during a crisis. Trust is defined as one’s belief that another person or institution will act in accordance with one’s expectations of positive behaviour by others and institutional trust is recognised as a key measure of government performance.
Overall, the success of vaccination campaigns will largely be influenced by the extent to which people trust the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, the competence and reliability of the institutions that deliver them, and the principles that guide government decisions and actions.
Zimbabwe is now facing problems of several religious leaders and labour movements who are attacking vaccination campaign labelling it a mandatory satanic agenda.
We should appreciate that mandatory vaccination, including for COVID-19, can be ethically justified if the threat to public health is grave, the confidence in safety and effectiveness is high, the expected utility of mandatory vaccination is greater than the alternatives, and there must be penalties or costs for non-compliance. Penalties or costs could include withholding of benefits, imposition of fines, provision of community service or loss of freedoms. We must know that under conditions of risk or perceived risk of a novel vaccination, a system of payment for risk in vaccination may be superior.
The government must never be forced under pressure by religious groups to abandon an exercise which saves lives. There is a large body of literature on the justification for the use of coercion in public health and infectious disease in particular. Mandatory vaccination is typically justified on Public health grounds and to avoid harm to others. We must appreciate that the sole ground for the use of state coercion and restriction of liberty is when one individual risks harming others.The most prominent arguments from bioethicists appeal to preventing harm to others. Vaccination will likely be part of a multi-faceted public health response to the future emergence of a pandemic illness. In addition to other measures designed to respond to and control a pandemic, such as surveillance, communication plans, quarantine, and disease treatment, deployment of effective vaccines has the potential to protect lives and limit disease spread. Not all disease threats, however, have a corresponding vaccine, and for those that do, there are significant challenges to their successful use in a pandemic.
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year.
Since vaccines were introduced in Zimbabwe diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or seen very rarely.
Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced.
However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the biggest threats to global health.
Vaccine hesitancy is where people with access to vaccines delay or refuse vaccination. To beat COVID-19, Zimbabweans will need to embrace an ethics of responsibility—recognizing that freedom has limits when it comes to keeping others safe, and taking actions that protect one another.
So the closure of churches and other public areas is in the best interest of those around you. There is a strong case for making any vaccination mandatory (or compulsory) if four conditions are met:
1. That there is a grave threat to public health
2. That the vaccine is safe and effective
3. Mandatory vaccination has a superior cost/benefit profile compared with other alternatives.
4. The level of coercion is proportionate.
Each of these conditions involves value judgements. Grave threat to public health… So far, there have been over 3 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 globally and thousands in Zimbabwe.
As a nation Zimbabwe must take a position to protect its people. It is humane enough to save the people and warn them of the dangers of COVID. COVID must not keep us down. If you are not vaccinated get a jab now as we are in a pandemic quagmire. .
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF top officials have endorsed the opposition MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.
Chamisa’s endorsements by Zanu PF comes after popularity grew last week town.
Chamisa’s popularity grew following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
His endorsement by Zanu PF top officials was acknowledged by the party’s senior member and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, through his tweer account Friday.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
By A Correspondent-The police have arrested nine former war liberation fighters for demanding their pensions.
The nine were arrested on Wednesday and will spend their second night in police detention.
They were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension, which they equated to bread crumbs.
Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta are the nine war veterans.
They are being represented by Paida Saurombe and Chawona Kanoti, from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has acknowledged that MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s more popular than their party leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and gaged its officials from publicly mentioning his name.
Chamisa has of late become talk of the town following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
The acknowledgement was announced by the party’s outspoken apologist and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, who posted on his Twitter account Friday, silencing his fellow party members.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has been rilled by the increasing MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s popularity and gaged its party officials from publicly mentioning his name.
Chamisa has of late become talk of the town following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
Rilled by the Chamisa popularity, outspoken Zanu PF apologist and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, posted on his Twitter account Friday, silencing his fellow party members.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
The Warriors technical has come up with another option to set up a competitive squad that will play in the World Cup qualifiers as several players are set to withdraw from the selection.
About seven stars are facing serious challenges to come to Zimbabwe for the games after the UK government turned down FIFA’s plea for quarantine exemptions for the players visiting red-listed countries.
The situation has forced the clubs to withhold the players to avoid the quarantine upon their return from international duty.
The affected Warriors include Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Luton striker Admiral Muskwe, Ipswich forward Macauley Bonne, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, David Moyo of Hamilton Academical and Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa.
Speaking to the Chronicle, national team manager Wellington Mpandare said they have put some players on standby incase the initially selected UK-based stars fail to report for duty.
He said: “We have plan B, but we all know that will not be the best. We have players that we have shortlisted and are on standby if we fail to get the players that we want.”
Zimbabwe will host rivals South Africa at the National Sports Stadium next Friday and then play Ethiopia four days later. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the dearth of media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the inauguration of the seventh President of the republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, President Chamisa said he last appeared on national television when he was a Member of Parliament long back.
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the will of the people.
“In Zimbabwe we only have one television station, which is a bizarre scenario.
It is sad to note that as the leader of the alternative, I am being denied coverage.
They don’t even allow me to express my views on national television.
Despite the setbacks, we are unshakable and unbreakable,” said President Chamisa.
The MDC Alliance leader also scoffed at the “Twitter President” claims…
” They ( Zanu PF bigwigs) say I am a Twitter President…
I am happy they acknowledge that I am a President,” said President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
The MDC-T is now a house of confusion as it’s leadersare reportedly relying with sangomas and prophets to seek spiritual powers to win the 2023 general elections.
Mwonzora’s top officials were reportedly spotted during night at the house of Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.
Makomichi is known for distributing love and business charms .
Reports say Mwonzora and his followers are seeking secret powers to win elections.
“I don’t disclose the names of my clients, but as for Mwonzora I can’t pray for him because his bad luck is insurmountable. Of course I can make make everyone who approaches me rich but Mwonzora’s issue is too complicated. I don’t want to take his money for nothing that’s why I denied their seeding, they said they want secret powers for elections” Makomichi claimed.
One political analyst has pointed out that MDC-T is wasting time by seeking powers to win elections from Makomichi because the preacher himself also hates Mwonzora.
Mwonzora is being used by Zanu PF to destroy Nelson Chamisa.
By A Correspondent- In a grim case of child se_xual abuse, a 16 year old boy in Bulawayo turned into a marauding se_xual predator when he allegedly engaged in anal se_x with a 10-year-old boy before preying on four other boys.
The boy, from Queens Park East suburb, performed the alleged dastardly acts on the boys aged between seven and ten.
Allegations are that sometime this year on an unknown date, when he was accompanying his uncle to a bus stop, he requested the first victim, a 10-year-old boy to accompany them and he agreed. When the alleged perpetrator’s uncle boarded a kombi, the two — suspect and the victim — returned home.
It is reported that while on their way back home, they reached a bushy area near ZRP Queens Park and the suspect requested to have anal se_x with the victim who turned down the request. The seemingly se_xually frustrated suspect forcibly removed the victim’s pair of shorts and sucked his penis and anus.
It is yet to be proven that the following day the boy asked the same victim to accompany him to one of the sports clubs in the suburb.
On their way and when they arrived at a bushy area near the sports club in question the teenage suspect again requested to have anal se_x with the victim and he refused.
Incensed by his denial, he forcibly undressed him before he ordered him to lie facing downwards and allegedly had anal se_x with him.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations later revealed that sometime last year the suspect had also abused another 10-year-old boy who is also his neighbour. He repeatedly f0ndled his manhood after he refused to have anal se_x with him.
As if that was not enough, it also emerged that on an unknown date but sometime last year the alleged se_x pest preyed on another victim, a nine-year-old boy, when he called him to their kitchen and solicited for anal se_x and he refused. As punishment supposedly for turning down his se_xual demands he allegedly f0ndled his manhood.
It is further reported that again on an unknown date, but sometime last year, the teenage suspect approached another victim, a seven-year-old boy, when he was outside the house playing with his friends and dragged him to their kitchen.
While inside he tied the victim’s hands with shoelaces before he unzipped his pair of trousers and took out his manhood and started sucking it.
After the dastardly act, the boy pushed the victim outside the house and threatened to assault him if he revealed the matter to anyone.
It is alleged that after the abuse, the alleged perpetrator would constantly prey on the victim, fondling and licking his manhood.
It is further reported that on 25 November 2020, the daring se_x pest approached another victim who is nine years old and asked him to have anal se_x with him and he refused.
In a fit of pique, the boy dragged the victim to a nearby playground where he tied his hands with shoelaces and started f0ndling his pen_is.
Investigations by the police later led to the arrest of the boy and his subsequent appearance in court before Bulawayo magistrate Stephen Ndhlovu charged with four counts of indecent assault and one of aggravated indecent assault.
The boy was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 20 September 2021.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende has pointed out that the penniless Zanu PF regime will use IMF funds to finance its political programmes.
According to Hon Hwende, the regime wants to use $ 500 million to boost campaign programmes.
See statement below:
MDC Secretary General Honourable Chalton Hwende : Kuwadzana East Constituency:
Running a Political Party as big as MDC requires resources. Our primary source of funding is our Membership.
I have noticed that everytime we appeal for donations ZANUPF trolls are the first to post and discourage because they know that without funds it’s difficult to mobilize and organize.
ZANUPF uses State resources and force business people to donate.
The $500Million that The Minister of Finance is reserving from the IMF Windfall lying that it’s for supporting the currency is money being reserved for their 2023 Campaign.
I appreciate and accept the criticism that you direct at me and we are implementing some of your suggestions but help our Treasurer to raise funds for us to use by encouraging people to join the MDC Alliance Today. Let’s share and encourage our friends
ZIMBABWEAN police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August, 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende has pointed out that the penniless Zanu PF regime will use IMF funds to finance its political programmes.
According to Hon Hwende, the regime wants to use $ 500 million to boost campaign programmes.
See statement below:
MDC Secretary General Honourable Chalton Hwende : Kuwadzana East Constituency:
Running a Political Party as big as MDC requires resources. Our primary source of funding is our Membership.
I have noticed that everytime we appeal for donations ZANUPF trolls are the first to post and discourage because they know that without funds it’s difficult to mobilize and organize.
ZANUPF uses State resources and force business people to donate.
The $500Million that The Minister of Finance is reserving from the IMF Windfall lying that it’s for supporting the currency is money being reserved for their 2023 Campaign.
I appreciate and accept the criticism that you direct at me and we are implementing some of your suggestions but help our Treasurer to raise funds for us to use by encouraging people to join the MDC Alliance Today. Let’s share and encourage our friends
By A Correspondent- A Chinese mining company, Heijin, is pushing to evict hundreds of villagers in Murehwa, Mashonaland East province, after it was given a special mining grant to extract black granite on densely populated land covering 300 hectares.
This comes at a time Chinese companies are frenziedly descending on the province, which is rich in the rare but lucrative stone.
The latest incursion by Heijin comes in the wake of yet another bruising fight pitting villagers in Mutoko and Shanghai Haoying Mining Investments that was given claims to mine black granite.
Although Shanghai Haoying has offered compensation to the families, which will be displaced when implementation of the project commences, plans by the Chinese company to set up operations in the area have triggered stiff resistance from the villagers.
Relating to similar developments now unfolding in Murehwa, Heijin, which was only incorporated under Zimbabwe’s laws in June this year, has already engaged a consultant to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
According to documents seen by the Independent this week, Heijin wrote to Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) rural district council (RDC) chief executive officer Murandu Kanganga requesting to undertake the EIA.
The letter, dated July 2, 2021, reads: “Heijin Mining Company is a holder of two black granite mining blocks namely Kaseke (1256 BMT) and Chibvi (ME1253BM), which are situated within Uzumba Reserve in Kaseke village of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District. Proposed is black granite mining, cutting and polishing on the two mining blocks.
“Our project being of national value and interest, we do understand the importance of working in harmony with relevant and key stakeholders, exchange of ideas as a guarantee to sustainable mining operations.”
Heijin intends to set up a cutting and polishing plant, storage facilities for finished products and an open cast mine. Heijin, as shown by the letter, is located at 304 Warwick, Josiah Chinamano Avenue, Harare.
Documents show that Edzai Ndemera, Emmanuel Ndemera, Alec Mutizwa, Dillia Chingwena and Libo Zhongjian Resources are the owners of Heijin. Libo Zhongjian Resources holds a 70% stake.
A Heijin consultant did not respond to questions sent by this publication.
In a letter written by Murehwa councillor Zvondai Marowa to Mines minister Winston Chitando, the black granite mining operations will emit dust and other emissions “affecting nearby schools, households and water bodies”.
“This letter seeks to object to granite mining in Nenzou Village Uzumba Ward 14 under Chief Nyajina. Heijing is a holder of two mining blocks, namely Kaseke and Chibvi. The blocks cover an area of more than 300 hectares,” the letter reads.
“We object to the mining project because the covered area is our grazing land, more than 39 households are inside the blocks and are going to be affected and we have graves of our loved ones within the pegged area.”
The letter, which outlines reasons for objecting to the project, dated August 23, also highlights that villagers were opposed to the plan because it would desecrate the villagers’ religious sites.
It reads: “The area in question is also used for rainmaking rituals, so we believe tempering with it will affect us as a community.”
Headman Kaseke, in a letter addressed to Minister of State for Mashonaland East province Appolonia Munzverengwi and Chitando, emphasised that the community was opposed to the planned project.
“Reference is made to the movement in and out of our area by ‘potential investors’ whose mining claims will result in the displacement or relocation of people from the area,” the letter dated August 24 reads.
“Legally, it is prudent to note that government is under both a statutory and constitutional duty to engage the community before any adverse action is taken. In the case of Kaseke and Chibvi, relevant authorities did not do this as no one consulted the community as far as we know.”
Chitando could not be reached for comment.
As in Mutoko, the Chinese investor has sought the buy-in of stakeholders by convening meetings with traditional leaders, villagers and officials from the UMP RDC.
A villager, who attended a meeting held last week on Saturday, told the Independent villagers complained about granite miners in the area.
“It is clear that the affected communities have not benefited in any way. What we have seen is the pillaging of our resources and catastrophic environmental degradation,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this week.
With Mashonaland East now a battleground for various investors (mostly from China) scrambling to obtain black granite claims, Shanghai Haoying has engaged Prime Chart, a local company, to conduct an EIA.
A Prime Chart representative said affected villagers will be compensated by “generous agricultural inputs sufficient for three seasons, a home in principle that is better than what they had and a solar powered borehole for each homestead”.
According to the official, Shanghai Haoying will also offer a “once-off cash payment for land preparations”.
Shanghai Haoying general manager Shuoshuo Song last week said: “Exploration (will begin) once the environmental (impact) assessment, which is underway is finalised.
“There is more profit in value addition; it is our ultimate objective to polish the granite and do beneficiation.”
As reported a fortnight ago by this publication, Richbase — another Chinese firm — is setting up a processing plant in Mutoko, that will be part of the black granite mining and beneficiation value chain, which is controlled by investors from the Asian giant and Italy.
Natural Stone Export Company, Illford Services Mining Company, Quarrying Enterprises, CRG Quarries and New Obsidian Granite are some of the companies extracting the lucrative mineral in Mutoko that is shipped to Asia and Europe.
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s press secretary, George Charamba has declared war against a private daily and accused it of being funded by foreign embassies to tarnish the government.
Charamba made the accusations through a posting on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter account. He was responding to a story on the front page of Thursday’s Newsday, reporting on his reckless statement against the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema.
” CHECK WHO NOW WORRIES ABOUT PRESIDENT E.D. MNANGAGWA’S IMAGE: Those who profit from reflexively soiling it, publication day-in, publication day-out! Thank God their newsletter just has a handful of inconsequential readers, however much those foreign embassies pour in!! My daily,” he posted.
ZIMBABWEAN police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August, 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
By A Correspondent- Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
9 liberation war veterans are set to spend their 3rd night in police detention after they were arrested Wednesday for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension which they equated to bread crumbs.
The 9 namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana, and Wonderful Sabarauta are expected to appear in court Friday and are represented by PaidaSaurombe and Chawona Kanoti.
By A Correspondent- A Chiredzi man died two weeks ago after he was fatally attacked by an allegedly intoxicated villager for allegedly being boastful.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public who may be aware of Sibanda’s whereabouts to approach the police.
Said Dhewa:
I can confirm the incident which took place in Chikombedzi where a man was murdered and the accused is yet to be arrested.
It is alleged that Gumhani Dike, 36, and his 10-year-old son were on their way to Chomupani Business Center when he met Andsern Sibanda on August 11, 2021.
Dike greeted Sibanda who instead of greeting him back accused him of being boastful.
A misunderstanding ensued before Sibanda grabbed a stone and hit Dike repeatedly on the head.
It is further alleged that Dike sustained deep cuts.
Sources further say Sibanda fled the scene and the minor child who was watching helplessly while his father was being attacked rushed to report the matter to one of the villagers.
Dike was ferried to Chomupani Clinic where he was referred to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital the following day.
However, his condition continued to deteriorate and he died around 8 PM on the same day.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for continuously deferring by-elections by not exercising his Executive powers to proclaim election dates.
Zec has been under criticism for its continued suspension of by-elections citing COVID-19 restrictions after about 48 parliamentary seats and over 80 council seats fell vacant following recalls of MDC Alliance legislators and councillors by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T party.
Zec commissioner Qhubani Moyo yesterday said the electoral management body last September announced dates for by-elections before Mnangagwa reversed the decision through promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 10 of 2021, citing COVID-19 fears.
Speaking during a virtual meeting held under the theme, Zambia’s Historic Elections: Lessons for Zimbabwe which was hosted by the Centre for Information and Technology, Moyo said: “Zec once announced dates for the holding of elections, but the SI then came in.”
“Countries have responded differently to COVID-19, our response has almost been like that of South Africa. Zec will hold elections once the SI is out of the way. Zec manages elections, but the proclamation of dates is done by the President and because of the SI in place, proclamation has not been done.”
He added: “There is also a court challenge of the SI which also complicates the work of Zec. Zimbabwe has always held elections when due, but with COVID-19 elections had to be suspended. Currently, there is an SI in place which makes it impossible for Zec to hold elections even if it wanted.”
Moyo also said there was an overwhelming number of people who were willing to register to vote, but it would open more registration centres when the COVID-19 “scare” was over.
The meeting was attended by rights activists and election analysts from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zec has noted the appetite people have to register to vote and will increase access to registration when the COVID-19 scare is out of the way,” Moyo said.
He dismissed accusations that the commission was biased towards Zanu-PF, saying opposition parties viewed the commission with suspicion because they wanted favours from it.
Zec has been accused of necessitating poll theft against MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa in favour of Mnangagwa, who won the election with 50,7% of the votes against Chamisa’s 44,3% in the 2018 presidential poll.
Moyo admitted that there was unfair coverage of political parties on State media, with the ruling Zanu-PF party dominating coverage.
“There is a provision in the law for parties contesting in elections to be allowed space to campaign in the media, but some parties have not been able to utilise it. In some cases, the incumbent has benefited as its candidates have also been covered as government officials,” he said.
“Zec shouldn’t be pressured to announce results and then blamed for errors. Zec should be left to announce within the five days provided for in the law unless it is changed. After all, the results would be announced and displayed outside polling stations soon after voting.”
Human rights activist and Zimbabwe Elections Support Network board member Rosewita Katsande said the Zambian elections had proved that it was possible for Zimbabwe to hold its own elections amid the pandemic, subject to adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Zambia held its polls two weeks ago under the COVID-19 pandemic. Hakainde Hachilema, who was an opposition leader beat the incumbent Edgar Lungu and has since been inaugurated.
“There is a need to ensure the political consciousness of the youth in Zimbabwe so that they understand how participation in politics can change their conditions,” Katsande said.
“Messages should respond to youth concerns.”
Zambian election analyst Susan Mwape, who was a guest speaker at the meeting, said civil society groups, churches and artists played a key role in mobilising people to vote.
By A Correspondent- Police have appealed for information that may help in their investigations to establish the circumstances in which hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing at a rural health centre.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 250 COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing on Wednesday (yesterday) at Cheshuro Rural Health Centre located in Gutu District, Masvingo Province.
He said:
The ZRP is investigating circumstances in which 250 COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing at Cheshuro Rural Health Centre on 25/08/12 at 1200 noon. Anyone with information to contact any nearest Police Station.
Cases of theft of COVID-19 vaccination cards are on the rise after the government decided to deny certain services to members of the public who are not fully vaccinated.
The government recently allowed churches to resume in-person services but only for fully vaccinated congregants.
In addition, the government said restaurants can allow only fully vaccinated customers to sit in for meals.
Indications are that people who steal the cards intend to sell them to some members of the public who have been shunning vaccination on religious grounds and conspiracy theories.
By A Correspondent- Government has threatened stern measures, including cancelling operating licences for fuel companies importing fuel with cash sourced from the foreign currency auction system, but selling the commodity at inflated prices in foreign currency.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said government would descend heavily on fuel dealers abusing the foreign currency facility to profiteer.
“Cabinet noted with deep concern that some fuel companies are abusing the foreign currency obtained from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe auction to procure fuel and then sell the fuel to consumers in foreign currency,” Mutsvangwa said.
The companies are supposed to follow laid down regulations in order to enable the general motoring public to access fuel in the local currency.”
“Cabinet was furnished with a comprehensive list of the companies and retail outlets abusing the foreign currency facility, and directed that firm action be instituted against the unscrupulous traders,” Mutsvangwa said.
The penalties, according to Mutsvangwa, would include cancellation of trading licences and hefty fines for offending fuel firms.
“The action involves prosecution of offenders, cancellation of fuel trading licences, or heavy fines as shall be determined by the team of relevant line ministries in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as the source of the funds so abused,” Mutsvangwa said.
The extension of the level 4 Lockdown is a benefit to preserve lives from the deadly #covid19 pandemic yet it is important that as LEAD we show our gratitude to the move of reopening schools.
This clearly is going to help socioeconomic livelihoods of Zimbabwean citizens. Cognizant of how the virus spreads like veld fire, it is imperative for our government to consider getting teachers vaccinated at their work stations to address the plight of students which is being overlooked.
This would help in curbing the spread of Covid19, following all measures focusing on the reopening of schools before officially moving to the next level. To add on, as Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) we feel that the extension of the Level 4 Lockdown should be eased and allow for sporting activities to resume to save sporting careers given that active cases and infections are decreasing and a high number of the population has been vaccinated.
By partially opening some social activities shows how the cabinet is trying to be considerate to the challenges the citizens are facing due to the lockdown restrictions. We always have been greatly concerned with the side effects of the lockdown as they overshadow the benefits however this move postulated concern over citizens.
The idea of teenagers stuck at homes unoccupied was giving us chills in the spine, as it has been increasing cases of children giving birth to children being fathered by children.
We are now faced with a pandemic of child marriages, which we have been also tirelessly trying to curb.Hence the move of reopening schools calls for an applause to the government as it would help in occupying them.
Teenagers and all school going children need to be occupied so that they don’t end up experimenting with drugs and getting into crime for fun.
We understand and know that irresponsible and bad behaviour comes from not being occupied. Extending level 4 lockdown with accommodative regulations served as a sensitive move to the needs of the people.
One can take a position that it is going to result in the people facing challenges that will be problematic to the economy of our country however through accommodating measures announced last night they will be proved wrong.
As much as the government would like to look out for us as citizens of Zimbabwe, it doesn’t make sense not to die of Covid 19 but to die of starvation.
There had been a sharp increase in cases of young girls who are supposed to be in school being raped as they are spending too much time exposed to weak men they call their fathers, uncle’s, brothers and neighbours.
Our position is to appreciate government ‘s efforts of promoting development and protecting teenagers and children of this land who are facing a lot of challenges from domestic abuse, sexploitation, rape, child labour, harassment and a host of other vices because of the continuous lockdown which always left them in a vulnerable position.
The move of relaxing some aspects is considerate and sensitive and we applaud cabinet for considering the plight of students and school gong children.
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has defended the astronomical water bills sent to ratepayers saying they were a true reflection of the high water usage which had gone beyond the stipulated daily consumption limit of 650 litres per household.
Residents in various parts of Bulawayo have been complaining of huge water bills ranging from $19 000 to $30 000 which were based on estimates.
In a notice to the residents yesterday, town clerk Christopher Dube said the city council had been conducting leak and burst assessment in the Tuli Reservoir in the past eight weeks.
He said this was part of the nonrevenue water exercise where specialised equipment was used to observe and pick up changes in water pressure and volume flow patterns.
Dube said the results of the exercise established that the per capita consumptions were high at an average figure of 519 litres per person per day and sometimes, as high as 760 litres per person per day which is above the World Health Organisation standard of 150 litres per person per day.
“This is indicating excessive usage of water. BCC’s water-rationing limit is currently at 650 litres per day, per household for medium to low-density suburbs, which gives a per capita allocation of 108 litres per person per day,” Dube said.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, billing has been based on estimates. The estimates were being calculated using household allocations.
“However, as for June and July 2021, billing has been based on actual readings and, therefore, consumers should expect exceptionally high water bills. It is with this in mind that residents are being encouraged to consume within their household allocation of 650 litres per day.”
Dube said investigations were underway to identify water abusers, which include meter bypasses, hosepipe usage, among others. He said residents were encouraged to report any suspected water abuse to the nearest city council offices or use the customer contact centre platform.
“Council will be deploying plumbers to deal with leaks and non-functional water meters as part of the non-revenue water reduction exercise,” Dube said.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial member Shephard Kararira has allegedly refused to surrender the party’s Ford Ranger truck given to him by party chairperson Kazembe Kazembe following his illegal co-option as provincial political commissar (PCC).
Kazembe last month co-opted Kararira as provincial commissar to campaign for him in the forthcoming provincial elections and illegally gave him a party vehicle for the task.
But Zanu-PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa nullified the co-options Kazembe had made to the Mashonaland Central provincial executive committee, effectively relieving Kararira and three other allies of the Home Affairs minister of their new roles.
Kararira was supposed to return the car following the nullification of his appointment.
But Kararira yesterday said he was using the car to mobilise support for the party’s national conference to be held in the province, even though President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted on holding a virtual indaba due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am using that car to mobilise support for the conference which our province is hosting and as we speak, the chairman (Kazembe) also gave us his party car and we now have four cars,” he said.
“So for one to demand that car, it is nonsensical. We need to campaign with those cars and above all, we took two more cars from the party head office to drum up support for the conference.”
He, however, declined to name other party members he referred to as “we”.
Chinamasa dismissed the cooptions after Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association chairperson Sam Parirenyatwa protested against the move, accusing Kazembe of manipulating party structures in order retain his provincial position.
Parirenyatwa was supported by other party members who demanded that Kararira should return the party vehicle to one Tsine, who had been illegally demoted as provincial political commissar.
Kazembe is set to battle it out with former Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora, businessman James Makamba, among others for the provincial chairmanship.
Jostling for positions in Mashonaland Central has threatened to tear apart the party ahead of its national conference, whose dates are yet to be announced.
By A Correspindent- The Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle has taken a new twist with acting Chief Fidelis Mudzengi allegedly refusing to relinquish power in breach of an earlier agreement reached with the family last October.
Disgruntled family members have since engaged Mangwana and Partners law firm to force Mudzengi out and pave way for heir apparent Julius Chigegwe.
Family elders claimed that on October 30 last year, Mudzengi signed an agreement to step down at the end of his term on February 5 this year, but had since refused to relinquish power.
Mudzengi is son to the late Chief Jerald Mudzengi.
In a letter addressed to the national director for traditional leaders, Felix Chikovo dated August 19, the family lawyers implored government to appoint a substantive chief once an “opportune time” avails itself.
“We refer to the above matter (appointment of substantive Chief Chirumanzu), in which we represent the elders and heirs to the Chirumanzu chieftainship, kindly note our interest,” wrote the lawyers.
“Further reference is made to your telephone conversation with our Mr M P Mangwana on the same in which you confirmed that the ministry was seized with the matter and would be undertaking and initiating the appointment process once the current restrictions are uplifted.
“We write impressing upon your good office to attend to the same at the opportune time as clients eagerly await the matter to be concluded.”
In June, the elders petitioned Local Government minister July Moyo to resolve the long-standing succession dispute.
Moyo is, however, yet to respond.
In a letter to Moyo, the elders accused both the Midlands and national chiefs’ councils of failing to resolve the dispute.
“We, the people of Chirumanzu represented by our elders in Chirumanzu chieftainship clan made up of the two houses of Nherera and Simba and their 11 sub-houses which are the heirs to Chirumanzu chieftainship.
“The traditional leaders of our people in all the wards of Chirumanzu seek to petition the honourable July G Moyo, Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to help resolve the matter of delayed appointment of substantive chief following the expiration of the acting chief’s term according to the Constitution and law governing the chieftainship succession,” the elders said in a petition dated June 25.
The elders dismissed reports that the delay in the appointment of a new chief was caused by family squabbles.
They said despite writing to the provincial and national chiefs’ councils over the chieftainship on May 31 and June 10, respectively, the two councils had not responded.
“As elders and heirs to the chieftainship throne we organised ourselves for orderly succession and nominated the candidate, but the Midlands provincial chiefs council has refused to meet the family as mandated by the Constitution in favour of keeping the acting chief’s term beyond the maximum term limit of two years,” the elders added.
By A Correspondent- An impostor, who claimed to be involving in the business of importing goods from Dubai, has been sentenced to two years in jail for swindling a local businessman of US$2 900.
Tapiwa Mbende pleaded guilty to theft yesterday when he appeared before Harare magistrate Barbara Mateko.
He pleaded for a lenient sentence, saying he would restitute the complainant.
Of his 24 months imprisonment, six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, another nine months on condition that he restitutes the complainant and the remaining nine months on condition that he performs 300 hours of community service.
The court heard that sometime in September 2020, the complainant, Noel Chituriro met Mbende at number 20 Stumley Rest, Borrowdale, Harare, where the former gave the accused person a BancABC visa card with US$3 000 so that he could buy an Iphone Pro Max and a wrist watch in Dubai.
Mbende, who identified himself as a runner for clients who buy goods from Dubai promised to give the complainant his goods back by the end of October.
While Mbende was in Dubai, Chituriro received a message on his cellphone indicating that US$2 700 had been deducted from his account.
When Chituriro asked when he would get his goods, Mbende gave excuses. He claimed he had bought the items and would give them to him upon return from the Asian country.
He was arrested on arrival after he failed to give Chituriro his items and visa card. Chituriro suffered US$2 700 prejudice and nothing was recovered.
By A Correspondent- The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has petitioned Parliament to intervene and help end the country’s worsening public transport situation which has resulted in commuters falling victim to mugging, sexual harassment and robbery after disembarking from buses late at night.
In a petition to Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda, PAZ national co-ordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said the commuting public had resorted to the use of private vehicles as Zupco buses were failing to cope with demand.
“There is a serious transport shortage in Zimbabwe. This forces people to use private kombis, trucks and cars,” Goliati said.
“This has resulted in the rise in muggings, robberies, murder, loss of valuables and rape cases.”
Government has banned kombis and allowed only buses under the Zupco franchise to operate. This has created a shortage of transport.
“The government should look for a private investor in the transport sector to alleviate challenges being faced by passengers,” Goliati said.
By A Correspondent- Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) led by Linda Masarira has appointed 22 year old Everjoy Chidindi as presidential spokesperson.
We publish below the notice by LEAD Secretary for Information and Publicity Rosline Ncube:
Introducing the LEAD PRESIDENTAL SPOKESPERSON
On behalf of the President of Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD), I would like to introduce the LEAD Presidential Spokesperson Ms Everjoy Chidindi.
Everjoy Chidindi is 22 years old and has been in active politics since the age of 18.
She is a student of Politics and Public Management at Midlands State University and is being mentored by our esteemed President Mambokadzi Linda Masarira.
We are proud as LEAD that we have stayed true to our founding principles and continue to empower young women.
She becomes the youngest Presidential spokesperson in the world if not the first.
By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
By A Correspondent- Schools across Zimbabwe will close on December 17 and open on 11 January next year.
The resumption of face-to-face classes follows a thorough exercise by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure a safe return to the standard teaching in classrooms.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on June 28 for the second term but due to a spike in Covid-19 infections, Government was forced to postpone face-to-face learning.
Government amended this year’s schools’ calendar which will see three examination classes (Upper Six, Form Four and Grade Seven) commencing on August 30 while the remaining ones resuming on September 6.
The reopening of schools for the second term has now been set with a total of 80 teaching days and 24 vacation days.
ZIM AUTHORITIES ARREST, DETAIN WAR VETERANS OVER BREAD CRUMBS PROTEST
NINE liberation war veterans on Thursday 26 August 2021 spent their second night in police detention after they were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension in a fresh crackdown against dissent in the troubled southern African country.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta and charged them with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The law enforcement agents alleged that the nine war veterans staged a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans who are represented by Chawona Kanoti, of Kanoti and Partners and Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are expected to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Friday 27 August 2021 for initial remand processes.
By A Correspondent- A 61 year old man from Torero compound at Ledbury farm in Matepatepa committed suicide after being accused of possessing goblins and blamed for causing mysterious fires at the farm by a traditional healer known as ‘Tsikamutanda’.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Dhliwayo said Almeda Geos drank poison on August 20 and died upon admission at Bindura Hospital. “This followed accusations by a traditional healer who was invited to cleanse the area. We appeal to the public to seek police or counsellors guidance in times of psychological social problems.”
The mysterious fires at the farm started on June 27 and razed down about 30 houses at Torero compound.
Although the fires briefly subdued after a month, reports are that another 27 huts at the next farm called Burnridge Farm were burnt down.
By A Correspondent- Exiled former ZANU PF Politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo says President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s claims that he escaped the Rhodesian hangman’s noose in 1965 because he was underage are false.
Prof Moyo said the “lie” was previously exposed by Jonathan Chando and has now been confirmed by Eddie Cross, Mnangagwa’s biographer.
Below is Prof Moyo’s Twitter Thread in which he attempted to substantiate the allegations:
MNANGAGWA’S CLAIM THAT HE WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH in 1965 and escaped the penalty because he was underage, is a MYTH, that is a LIE, as previously revealed by Jonathan Chando & now confirmed, behind Mnangagwa’s back, by Eddie Cross in “A LIFE OF SACRIFICE: Emmerson Mnangagwa”!
THROUGHOUT HIS POLITICAL CAREER, Mnangagwa has claimed that he was sentenced to death for blowing up locomotive No 510 in Masvingo in 1964, but was not executed because he was underage. He repeated the lie in April 2021 in his @SundayMailZim interview with @VictoriaRuzvid2!
IN A REVEALING AND DAMAGING DISCLOSURE, which confirms Jonathan Chando’s previous reports, Eddie Cross reproduces (p.23) the 1965 court record, which is missing from the National Archives, in which the judge found that: “I DO NOT THEREFORE PROPOSE TO SENTENCE YOU TO DEATH”!
ON PAGE 21 OF HIS BOOK, Eddie Cross reproduces from the 1965 Court record a case summary by the then-Attorney General which refers to Mnangagwa as “residing at some place to the prosecutor unknown in ZAMBIA”. This explains why Mnangagwa was deported to Zambia, on his release!
ON PAGES 18-20 EDDIE CROSS reproduces from the revealing 1965 court record photographs of locomotive No 510 which was damaged by the explosives placed by Silas SIZIBA, the expert implicated by Mnangagwa and the place where fragments of the explosives were found by BSA police!
EDDIE CROSS reproduces from the 1965 court record Mnangagwa’s warned & cautioned statement signed on 17 Jan 1965 which: *Gives his full names as Emmerson DAMBUDZO *Implicates Noah GUMBOCHENA, as the source of the explosives & Silas SIZIBA, as an expert on how to use them!
THE FACT THAT MNANGAGWA’S 1965 court record went missing from the National Archives long ago, only to resurface in the Eddie Cross book, has RAISED SECURITY EYEBROWS. Mnangagwa is hostile to books; he did not know his 1965 record is in his biography, before its publication!
By A Correspondent- A Harare man, Desmond Sinoia (51), who admitted to recklessly ramming into Commander Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda’s car at the intersection of Glenara and Samora Machel in Harare, has been jailed for 12 months.
Harare magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko also banned Sinoia from driving for the next eight months.
Sinoia rammed into CDF General Sibanda’s car which was being driven by his aide on August 23.
By A Correspondent- The government has refuted social media claims suggesting that all school pupils are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can attend lessons when schools reopen starting next week.
Speaking during a question and answer session in Parliament on Thursday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government has no such policy.
Mutsvangwa told Senators that a Government directive to have school pupils between 14 and 17 years to be vaccinated does not mean that the programme was compulsory. She said:
With the advent of social media, there is a lot of fake news. That is why we have Cabinet briefings timely for people to validate.
There is no Government policy to have children vaccinated before going to school.
She said the decision to have children vaccinated was taken after a careful scientific study.
By A Correspondent- Senior officials in the MDC Alliance in Masvingo Province have claimed that their request to open bank accounts for the opposition party have been turned down by CBZ.
Zimbabwe’s government has a 16% stake in CBZ.
MDC Alliance spokesperson for Chiredzi West, Tobias Muzamani, told local publication Masvingo Mirror that his party tried to open a bank account with CBZ and two other financial institutions but it all failed.
“We made applications to more than three banks and they all showed a lot of reluctance to open an account in the name of the MDC Alliance.
“We strongly feel that they are afraid of reprisals from Zanu PF,” said Muzamani.
Muzumani added in some cases, for some strange reason, they were advised to circumvent the party and open an account as a co-operative instead
He said the bank account was meant for the party’s Chiredzi West district and the funds deposited therein were going to be used to support development projects in the constituency.
However, the close relationship between ruling party and CBZ have often hurt the financial institution in a big way. In August 2019, CBZ announced it had to assume debt totaling at least $160 million after President Mnangagwa’s som Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr., former First Lady Grace Mugabe and others defaulted on loans made from 2010 to 2014.
According to CBZ, the President’s son defaulted on a US$400,000 loan from the commercial bank. Grace Mugabe, who led the ruling Zanu-PF party’s women’s wing and had indicated interest in the Presidency for herself, is accused of failing to repay US$4.5 million to the bank.
Other prominent alleged borrowers named by the bank included Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu, former Minister Ignatius Chombo, former Senate President Mabel Chinomona, and MDC Alliance legislator Job Sikhala.
CBZ management contracted lawyer and MDC Alliance vice president Biti, a former finance minister, to recover the debts.
By A Correspondent- The copyright row between popular Zimdancehall chanter Winky D and Magamba Network is now behind the parties who have finally settled the matter “amicably”.
Last year in May, Winky D, real name Wallace Chirumiko sued Magamba Network for US$12,000, claiming illegal use of his song, ‘Parliament’.
The music star, once pelted with missiles by suspected Zanu PF supporters over a song viewed as political, claimed the use of his production in the works of an organisation known for anti-government political satire created an impression that he was a political activist, something that had the effect of damaging his reputation as an apolitical artiste.
In court papers filed through his lawyers, Winky D had said, “The offending work was a socio-political video which was accompanied by and contained a reproduction of the original work. Winky D is an apolitical musician and the thrust of his music is purely entertainment.”
He also said, “The use of the work by Magamba Network has the effect – innocent or otherwise – of suggesting to the public that Chirumiko was aligned to or biased towards a certain political idea or movement which suggestion resulted in persons opposed to the said political idea or movement shunning the plaintiff and his music, leading to reduction of income on the part of the plaintiff.”
But in a statement Thursday, Magamba Network said the matter is now behind the parties. “This serves to notify our stakeholders, followers, and the general public of the settlement of the case involving copyright infringement between Magamba Network and Winky D,” said Magamba Network.
“Kindly note that the use of Winky D’s musical work known as ‘PARLIAMENT’ by Magamba Network in our weekly show concept entitled, ‘In Case You Missed It’ using the campaign titled ‘#RECONVENEPARLY’ sometime in May 2020 was made in error and the parties have amicably resolved this matter.”
Added Magamba, “Winky D’s musical work known as ‘PARLIAMENT’ is not linked to the Magamba Network and its activities.” Magamba Network however did not disclose how the musician was placated.
By A Correspondent- The MDC led by Douglas Mwonzora said it had no grudge against Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for not inviting them to his inauguration.
Hichilema invited Mwonzora’s rival, Nelson Chamisa and several other regional opposition heads of state to attend his Tuesday inauguration.
MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said they held no grudges against the Zambian leader.
“Zambian President Hichilema has demonstrated the embodiment of our philosophy of rational disputation. “It’s all about the principle of inclusivity and not about the personalities. We will not insult his gesture by discussing names of who he invited and who he didn’t,” Dube said. He added, “We have been saying no matter our differences, we should have a high level of tolerance. “Our reading of the invitation of opposition formations in the region says no matter which side of the political eye we look at things; we must still be able to come back and celebrate developments like the election of the Hichilema as Zambian President.”
By A Correspondent- Schools across Zimbabwe will close on December 17 and open on January 11 next year, the government has announced.
The government said the resumption of face-to-face classes follows a thorough exercise by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure a safe return to standard classroom teaching.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on June 28 for the second term but due to a spike in Covid-19 infections, the government was forced to postpone face-to-face learning.
The government amended this year’s schools’ calendar, which will see three examination classes (Upper Six, Form Four and Grade Seven) commencing on August 30 while the remaining ones resuming on September 6.
The reopening of schools for the second term has now been set with a total of 80 teaching days and 24 vacation days.
has issued a stern warning to members of the Youth who are invading farms. He said the time of land invasion is long gone. Each province has put aside 500ha for the Youth and they will be supported with inputs,” he posted.
By A Correspondent- The government has given the go-ahead for local restaurants to open for sit-in patrons who produce vaccination certificates.
This follows a significant decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases now being recorded in the country.
“The nation is further informed that restaurants will be allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated subject to the production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare Wednesday.
“Cabinet further urges the nation to continue adhering to WHO protocols and National Guidelines in order to contain the third wave and thwart the possibility of a fourth one, as the pandemic is still with us.”
The government early this year imposed strict lockdown measures following a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Restaurants were among the affected businesses, with sit-ins banned as part of the measures.
In her address Wednesday, Mutsvangwa said as of 24 August 2021, the country’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 123 320, with 108 660 recoveries and 4 320 deaths.
Government is keen on the country attaining the much-desired herd immunity of 10 million vaccinated citizens by the end of the year. To achieve the target, the government and some quasi-government institutions have placed compulsory vaccination as a condition for employees to keep their jobs and continue earning Covid-19 allowances.
Workers’ groups have condemned the move, and some private organisations opposed the aggressive measures.
Citizens continue to throng vaccination centres to receive the mandatory two jabs.
9 liberation war veterans are set to spend their 3rd night in police detention after they were arrested Wednesday for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension which they equated to bread crumbs.
The 9 namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana, and Wonderful Sabarauta are expected to appear in court Friday and are represented by PaidaSaurombe and Chawona Kanoti.
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has said.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF government has turned down a request by Zimbabwe Football Association, ZIFA, for the football icon George Shaya to be granted national hero status.
Shaya died aged 77 in his Harare home following a long illness. He will be buried at Warren Hills cemetery on Saturday.
Dynamos had written to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) seeking facilitation of conferment of national hero status on the late former football star who dominated the soccer star of the year calendar in 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
However, Sports minister Kirsty Coventry told the Shaya family that the football icon would get a state-assisted funeral on Wednesday.
“He is one of the greatest sportspersons to have emerged from this country,” said the minister. “Government has, therefore, accorded him a state-assisted funeral.”
Coventry said, “The history of the game will be amiss without the mention of his name”.
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has said.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalicsed as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s press secretary, George Charamba has declared war against a private daily and accused it of being funded by foreign embassies to tarnish the government.
Charamba made the accusations through a posting on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter account. He was responding to a story on the front page of Thursday’s Newsday, reporting on his reckless statement against the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema.
” CHECK WHO NOW WORRIES ABOUT PRESIDENT E.D. MNANGAGWA’S IMAGE: Those who profit from reflexively soiling it, publication day-in, publication day-out! Thank God their newsletter just has a handful of inconsequential readers, however much those foreign embassies pour in!! My daily,” he posted.
By Farai D Hove | Eyebrows were raised last week when former Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa’s wife retweeted an allegation that the statesman was assassinated on ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa’s orders.
Levy Mwanawasa
Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba was still to comment on the damning report that says he chaired an intelligence committee responsible for Mwanawasa’s assassination.
The so called Mugabes aides or staff (members) were actually hitmen people must really dig deep. It’ss still a puzzle how the Botswana president survived assassination, the person parsing out the report said.
the tweet alleging Mnangagwa responsible for Levy Mwanawasa’s death.
The original report stated in part: I am sorry to say this but it’s a fact do your own investigation your DAD was posioned by the Zimbabwean regime he had posed a threat to their SADC influence it’s sad that munangagwa was the one who briefed the intelligence team that did the Job.
Mwanawasa served as Zambia’s third president from January 2002 until his death in August 2008.
The world must ignore report alleging Mnangagwa responsible for assassination of Zambia President Levy Mwanawasa?
He was earlier in the week praised by President Hakainde Hichilema for initiating a successful campaign to rid corruption in Zambia. Prior to Mwanawasa’s election, he served as the fourth vice president of Zambia from November 1991 to July 1994.
NO INVITATION FOR POLITICAL SURROGATES AND PUPPETS AS MWONZORA IS NOT INVITED TO HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION IN ZAMBIA!!!!
The message was very loud and clear that Mwonzora,s MDCT a ConCourt Manufactured Surrogate Puppet Opposition Party has got no significant role to play in Zimbabwean Opposition Party Politics.All the other main Opposition Political Party Leaders in the region were invited to the Inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia, namely Raila Odinga of kenya, Advocate Nelson Chamisa of Zimbabwe and Botswana,s main Opposition leader.Absent from the glamorous occassion was the Zanu PF Government,s ConCourt manufactured Opposition MDCT Party.MDCT is a Party lead by a Bunch of Political Rejects from the real MDCA lead by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.The rag tug bunch of sellouts reminscent of Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa,s UANC in Rhodesia were created by President ED Mnangagwa so as to fool the whole world, that the puppets under Mwonzora represents the Main Opposition Political Party in Zimbabwe.The International Community knows very well that MDCT is not the true Opposition Political Party in Zimbabwe.
Mwonzora, Khupe, Mudzuri and Komichi played the Judas Iscariot Act on Chamisa,s MDCA and they went to Bed with Zanu Pf, hoping that they can hoodwink and fool the People of Zimbabwe and International Community, to make them believe that they are the main Opposition Party in the Country, but that has not worked the way they had planned. Oooooh foolish MDCT cabal your real identity is a bunch of Political sell outs who are a creation of Zanu Pf .Mwonzora,s Party was badly exposed by the Zambian Election, the bunch was left out in the cold and not invited to Hakainde,s Inauguration, the reason being that the sellouts and puppets have got no significant role to play in Zimbabwean Politics.MDCT does not add value in any way to the Country, s Politics, hence they shall become extinct after 2023 General Election. A Bunch of Political rejects and sellouts who sold the People,s vote to Zanu Pf,the Electorate is ready to Punish you heavily you sellouts come 2023.That is the reason why the recently inaugurated Zambian President never even bothered to recognise the Group as an existing Opposition Political Party.MDCT is an illegitimate Bunch of misguided renegades, given birth to by a Captured Judicial System in Zimbabwe, that is under the Control of the illegally appointed Luke Malaba the out of all sorts Zanu Pf regime.
Shame on you Mwonzora and your bunch at MDCT for trying to Sanitize an illegitimate Regime that came into Power through an illegal Coup Detent in November 2017.Nobody shall recognise you as an Official Opposition Political Party, on the entire African Continent and the World over, too bad!!! You can either join Zanu Pf as individuals from that bunch or better disband!!! Your Umbilical cord is very attached to your Mother Zanu Pfa Party, which the Zimbabwean Electorate is going to vote out of Power come 2023.!!!!
THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE PADDINGTON JAPA JAPA IS MDCA NEC/NC MEMBER, SOCCER ADMINISTRATOR, PRESIDENT OF “ZCEO” ZIMBABWE CENTRE FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES A CIVIC SOCIETY ORGANISATION,AN EVANGELIST AND TEACHER OF GOD, S WORD, A HOLDER OF A BSC HONS PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE!!!! ???????????????????????????????????
English Premier League champions Manchester City have been drawn to face Paris St-Germain, RB Leipzig and Club Bruges UEFA in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League group stages.
Holders Chelsea come up against Serie A giants Juventus, Russian club Zenit St Petersburg and Swedish side Malmo.
Manchester United face Villarreal, who beat them in last season’s Europa League final, as well as Italian club Atalanta and Swiss side Young Boys.
Liverpool have been drawn alongside Atletico Madrid who eliminated them last season, Porto and AC Milan.
The group stage begins on September 14 and 15, with the final being held in St Petersburg on May 28.
Champions League group-stage draw Group A: Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge
Group B: Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Porto, AC Milan
Group C: Sporting, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Besiktas
Group D: Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sheriff Tiraspol
Group E: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Benfica, Dynamo Kiev
Group F: Villarreal, Manchester United, Atalanta, Young Boys
Group G: Lille, Sevilla, Red Bull Salzburg, Wolfsburg
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s own publicist, and authorised biographer, Eddie Cross has exposed him for falsifying that he was sentenced to death for bombing a Rhodesian Train.
Cross reveals with impecable evidence that Mnangagwa did not bomb any property, and he was spared the death penalty because his crime was not that serious, Oxford academic, Miles Tendi argues.
Mnangagwa as he authorised the biography that exposes him for lying
Cross’ biography corrects falsifications of significant episodes in Mnangagwa’s life story, writes Tendi.
He continues saying: One example will suffice. Mnangagwa, in The Sunday Mail of 22 February 2015, narrated that he was spared the death penalty in 1965 for using explosives to cause damage to a railway engine, as part of early liberation struggle sabotage campaigns. According to Mnangagwa in 2015: “the age of majority then was 21. I was below 21, so I escaped the noose. My colleagues were, however, hanged”.
Cross corrects this account by reproducing the High Court of Rhodesia’s 1965 sentence in the biography.
The High Court’s sentence reads: the court accepts “the fact that you are 18 years and seven months old. That being so, in terms of this section of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act, the court has a discretion as to whether to impose upon you the death penalty or to send you to prison for a period up to a maximum of 20 years. Generally speaking, it seems to me that where the Court has a discretion in dealing with an offender under the age of 19, the death penalty is appropriate for the worst type of case where, for example, petrol bombs have been cold-bloodedly and deliberately thrown into residential buildings occupied by persons causing them misery and suffering. This is not such a case, although it is a serious crime according to law. I do not therefore propose to sentence you to death in this case”.
Thus, contrary to Mnangagwa’s longstanding claim he was spared death because he was underage, Mnangagwa was in fact not sentenced to death in 1965 because his crime was considered by the judge as not grave enough to warrant hanging. Cross deserves commendation for setting the historical record straight in this instance.
FULL TEXT:
This authorised biography tells the life history of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, from childhood to presidency. The biography is 153 pages long. It consists of a foreword, an editor’s note by Rachel Jambaya, 30 brief chapters, and a conclusion.
The biographer, Eddie Graham Cross, is an economist, a regular commentator on public affairs and former Secretary for Economic Affairs in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), a party he left in 2018 after 19 years of serving in a range of executive positions at national level. Cross drew on personal interviews with Mnangagwa in order to complete the biography.
Cross has written a controversial biography of Mnangagwa.
The biography depicts vice president Constantino Chiwenga, the former general who helped bring Mnangagwa to power in a military coup in 2017, in an unfavourable light. It is also replete with conspicuous historical distortions and silences. Nonetheless, the biography does have some strengths, such as its presentation of the true version of certain important events in Mnangagwa’s life.
Cross’s corrections bring to light Mnangagwa’s mythomania. Mnangagwa penned the biography’s foreword, graced its official presentation on 5 August 2021, delightedly signed copies of the book at the launch and he did not publicly rebut any of the biography’s contents. Consequently, it is fair to conclude that Mnangagwa wholly endorses his biographer’s work.
‘Military figures’
Cross writes that following Mnangagwa’s inauguration as president of Zimbabwe on 24 November 2017, “he set about selecting a new cabinet and senior staff in the president’s office. This was complicated by the demands being made by the senior military officers who had carried out what became known as the military assisted transition (military coup). Chief among these was the commander of the armed forces, General Chiwenga”.
Cross adds that Mnangagwa’s first cabinet “received mixed reviews” partly because it contained “too many military figures”.
Elsewhere in the biography, Cross states Mnangagwa “replaced General Chiwenga with General Philip Sibanda” as commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and he avers that Sibanda is “possibly the best soldier in southern Africa and a man that was deeply respected in the army. Mnangagwa’s actions drew little attention but what the president was doing was closing the door on any possibility of the military assisted transition (military coup) being repeated. He needed to know that the security services were led by men in whom he had confidence as professionals”.
Additionally, Cross maintains that when violence and looting occurred in January 2019, the acting President Chiwenga “demanded that a state of emergency be declared and martial law be introduced. This would have effectively meant that the armed forces took over the administration of the state”. However, Cross continues, “General Sibanda refused. He said his orders from the President were clear. What had happened was that the President had stamped his personal authority on the state. He would not tolerate any challenge”.
‘Hardliners’
Cross makes reference to “hardliners” (Chiwenga ostensibly) who, before the July 2018 election, “argued that reforms to the electoral system and any relaxation of controls over the media and civil society would have serious impact on the ability of ZANU PF to win the election.
Moreover, Cross contends that a grenade thrown at Mnangagwa on 23 June 2018 during a ZANU PF rally at White City stadium in Bulawayo “was of Chinese origin and in use by the Zimbabwe National Army”.
Chiwenga was present at the White City rally and his wife Marry sustained injuries from the blast but Cross, curiously, does not mention this. Of the two vice presidents, only Kembo Mohadi is identified as present at the rally and as having sustained injuries along with 47 others.
From the foregoing, Cross appears to be casting aspersions on Chiwenga as a political operator. His biography suggests that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are ill at ease with each other. Cross typecasts Chiwenga as obstructing political and economic reforms and as in favour of repressive and militarised state responses such as martial law. He intimates that Sibanda is a more “professional” soldier than Chiwenga who Mnangagwa trusts will not carry out a coup – a contentious assertion, given that Sibanda participated in the 2017 coup.
Corrections
Let me now turn to some of the ways in which the biography corrects falsifications of significant episodes in Mnangagwa’s life story. One example will suffice. Mnangagwa, in The Sunday Mail of 22 February 2015, narrated that he was spared the death penalty in 1965 for using explosives to cause damage to a railway engine, as part of early liberation struggle sabotage campaigns. According to Mnangagwa in 2015: “the age of majority then was 21. I was below 21, so I escaped the noose. My colleagues were, however, hanged”.
Cross corrects this account by reproducing the High Court of Rhodesia’s 1965 sentence in the biography.
The High Court’s sentence reads: the court accepts “the fact that you are 18 years and seven months old. That being so, in terms of this section of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act, the court has a discretion as to whether to impose upon you the death penalty or to send you to prison for a period up to a maximum of 20 years. Generally speaking, it seems to me that where the Court has a discretion in dealing with an offender under the age of 19, the death penalty is appropriate for the worst type of case where, for example, petrol bombs have been cold-bloodedly and deliberately thrown into residential buildings occupied by persons causing them misery and suffering. This is not such a case, although it is a serious crime according to law. I do not therefore propose to sentence you to death in this case”.
Thus, contrary to Mnangagwa’s longstanding claim he was spared death because he was underage, Mnangagwa was in fact not sentenced to death in 1965 because his crime was considered by the judge as not grave enough to warrant hanging. Cross deserves commendation for setting the historical record straight in this instance.
Cross-checking
Although Cross debunks some of Mnangagwa’s mythomania, he too is a mythomaniac. For example, Cross writes that Mnangagwa “was designated as one of the leaders” of the crocodile gang in the 1960s and insinuates that Mnangagwa was involved in the killing of Pieter Oberholzer in Chimanimani in 1964. Mnangagwa was, of course, not a member of the crocodile gang and he was not implicated in Oberholzer’s killings, as scholarly works by Baxter Tavuyanago and Terence Ranger show.
Cross’s expertise as an economist encumbered his ability to generate a credible biography of Mnangagwa. Trained economists should probably stick to writing about economics, not liberation, military and political histories, which are beyond their knowledge.
For instance, Cross refers to the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) as the ‘Zimbabwe Independent People’s Revolutionary Army’.
In 1978, ZIPRA shot down two Rhodesian Viscount planes but Cross writes that the downing occurred in 1962 and, erroneously, uses it as an example of how the “guerrilla war was gaining momentum”.
Furthermore, according to Cross, in 1975 Herbert Chitepo was “assassinated in what is suspected as inter party violence and conflict”. This is a bizarre contention since the competing views on Chitepo’s assassination are that it was the result of an intra ZANU conflict or that the Rhodesian security forces carried out the hit. Is Cross suggesting, through the statement ‘inter party conflict’, that ZAPU assassinated Chitepo?
What is the evidence for this?
Zimbabwe entered the second Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) war to assist Laurent Kabila to fend off a rebel insurgency in 1998, but Cross, incorrectly, writes that Zimbabwe intervened “to support the campaign by Laurent Desire Kabila to take power from the long standing dictator Mobutu Sese Seko”.
What is more, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) was created through the merger of three rival armies – the Rhodesian army, ZANLA and ZIPRA but Cross, speciously, writes that five armies merged to form the ZNA.
Silences
Then there are the biography’s historical silences.
Despite crediting Mnangagwa as having taken charge of operations during the late 1990s DRC war, Cross is silent about United Nations and non-governmental organisation reports about corruption during Zimbabwe’s involvement in the second DRC war.
Cross also seeks to downplay the role of Mnangagwa and the CIO in the 1980s Gukurahundi. Cross would have us believe that Mugabe’s instructions on Gukurahundi only went directly to "the 5th Brigade and to the Ministry Of Home Affairs and the Police on the ground" and excluded CIO, which fell under Mnangagwa’s Security Ministry.
Yet, as the CCJPZ report Breaking The Silence: Report On The Disturbances in Matabeleland and Midlands discloses, CIO was in fact central to Gukurahundi operations and it functioned from within Mugabe’s office. Cross is also silent about Mnangagwa’s role in the strong March to June 2008 political violence.
Cross’s writing radiates colonial overtones.
The scholar Kristen Harkness points out that “British martial race doctrine, developed first in colonial India, stipulated that some ethnic groups were naturally more suited to combat and military discipline than others. Once groups were classified as martial they were preferentially recruited into the British colonial forces”.
It is precisely this colonial martial race doctrine that underlies Cross’s unevidenced contention that Mnangagwa was recruited in ZAPU in 1962 partly because of “his potential from a military point of view given his Karanga tribal background and physique” – the implication being that Karangas are “naturally more suited to combat”.
Indeed, Cross largely understands the politics and history of Africans through colonial tropes like “tribes” and “tribalism”. Never mind that the notion of “tribe” is, today, bereft of analytical purchase because it lacks a sense of social scale and complexity and it presupposes savagery, primitiveness, irrational violence and ancient hatreds in Africans.
A final important silence concerns Mnangagwa’s personal dimension. Bar his early family history, we get no real sense of who Mnangagwa is today, his actual character away from political performance and the composition of his immediate family, making for a rather impersonal biography.
The wives of politicians matter. Who is Auxillia Mnangagwa and how has she impacted Mnangagwa’s personal and political trajectories? What are the ideas, thinkers or books that have shaped Mnangagwa’s political outlooks?
Perhaps Cross will care to address these crucial questions and the aforementioned shortcomings in a second edition of his biography of Mnangagwa.
Tinashe Sambiri | MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described George Charamba’s crude language against perceived Zanu PF opponents as high-sounding gobbledygook meant to silence dissenting voices.
Hon Sikhala also dismissed Charamba’s feeble and futile political grandstanding meant to confuse the citizens of Zimbabwe.
“The pontification of George Charamba @Jamwanda2 against @daddyhope is a choreographed plot by the regime to besmirch & silence him 4ever as the nation is geared for 2023.
After my afternoon tweet whisperers rushed to inform me that @daddyhope is in trouble.
When you see people like George Charamba @Jamwanda2 spending acres of space attacking you , you must know urikubata panyama inorwadza. Rather you must bring more intensity to the attack against the regime @daddyhope and others must intensify. We are winning the war,” argued Hon Sikhala.
IMF FUNDS MUST BE DISBURSED TRANSPARENTLY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE
In August 2021, the IMF implemented a general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) equivalent to about US$650 billion. (SDR 456 billion). Zimbabwe has been allocated an equivalent of US$961m. Zimbabwe is automatically entitled to SDRs by virtue of it being a member country of the IMF. Contrary to the assertion made by Minister Mthuli Ncube, this is not a “vote of confidence” in the economy but a standard allocation that is made to all IMF members regardless of how their economies are faring.
This is not the first time that Zimbabwe has received SDRs. After the global financial crisis of 2008, the IMF released SDRs to help member states.
Under the MDC Ministry of Finance, Hon. Tendai Biti, the government of the day used the SDR’s responsibly to strengthen the country’s reserves and pay back its loans to IMF. Of the US$400m received by Zimbabwe in 2009, US$140m was used to settle IMF arrears.
By showing the world that Zimbabwe was prudent and keen on solving its external debt problem, we built goodwill with bilateral and multilateral lenders. This was a precursor to the LIMA debt management plan of 2016.
Zimbabwe’s debt problem is a time bomb that affects not only the current generation but future generations as well. The best we can do for the future of our country is ensure the next generation inherits a prosperous nation and not one laden with onerous high interest debt.
In light of this, the SDRs received by Zimbabwe should in the IMF’s own words, help “ the economic conjuncture and the stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequacy of reserves, the availability of fiscal and monetary policy space, domestic and external debt sustainability and financial stability, financing constraints, and other country-specific factors.”
The IMF went further to note the risk of misusing SDR’s in countries with “unsustainable debt or weak governance.” The current levels of corruption in the country and our unsustainable debt is precisely what the IMF is warning against. The risk of mis-use is very high.
At the same time the precarious macro-economic environment which requires attention could be delayed. Zanu PF, given a bit of fiscal space, heading towards an election is likely to use the money for electioneering if not held to account.
The past is replete with examples of how the regime misuses funds to fund election campaigns. There is no reason to believe this time it will be any different.
As a government in waiting, our priority is to be vigilant and call for transparency and stronger scrutiny of how the SDR’s will be disbursed. They must be used for the benefit of the people and not be looted by political elites. Safety nets must be availed to the poor.
We call for the Auditor-General’s office to be further capacitated to audit, monitor and report timeously to the people of Zimbabwe on how these funds are being disbursed.
We further urge journalists and citizens to be alert and expose corruption wherever it manifests and to demand accountability.
By holding government to account, we will ensure the SDR’s reach the intended vulnerable members of our society and be used in the fight against Covid-19.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has sent a condolence message to the Shaya family following the death of Dynamos legend George “Mastermind” Shaya.
In a statement on Tuesday, ZIFA Communications and Competitions Manager Xolisani Gwesela described the late as a footballer par excellence whose shoes will be difficult to fill. Said Gwesela: The Zimbabwe Football Association conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Shaya Family and the local football fraternity at large following the sad passing of football legend George “Mastermind” Shaya, an exceptional footballer who excelled during the colonial era, one of the most difficult periods in the history of Zimbabwe.
His legacy of excellence as a serial winner and record-five time soccer star lives eternally to inspire many generations of local footballers.
Shaya (77) passed away early on Tuesday at his home in Glen Norah, Harare.
He is the only player to be named Soccer Star of The Year five times, that is, in 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
Dynamos have since written to ZIFA seeking facilitation of conferment of national hero status on the late Shaya.- ZBC news online
By A Correspondent- The MDC led by Douglas Mwonzora said it had no grudge against Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for not inviting them to his inauguration.
Hichilema invited Mwonzora’s rival, Nelson Chamisa and several other regional opposition heads of state to attend his inauguration last Tuesday.
MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said they held no grudges against the Zambian leader.
“Zambian President Hichilema has demonstrated the embodiment of our philosophy of rational disputation. “It’s all about the principle of inclusivity and not about the personalities. We will not insult his gesture by discussing names of who he invited and who he didn’t,” Dube said. He added, “We have been saying no matter our differences, we should have a high level of tolerance. “Our reading of the invitation of opposition formations in the region says no matter which side of the political eye we look at things; we must still be able to come back and celebrate developments like the election of the Hichilema as Zambian President.”
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF government has turned down a request by Zimbabwe Football Association, ZIFA, for the football icon George Shaya to be granted national hero status.
Shaya died aged 77 in his Harare home following a long illness. He will be buried at Warren Hills cemetery on Saturday.
Dynamos had written to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) seeking facilitation of conferment of national hero status on the late former football star who dominated the soccer star of the year calendar in 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
However, Sports minister Kirsty Coventry told the Shaya family that the football icon would get a state-assisted funeral on Wednesday.
“He is one of the greatest sportspersons to have emerged from this country,” said the minister. “Government has, therefore, accorded him a state-assisted funeral.”
Coventry said, “The history of the game will be amiss without the mention of his name”.
By A Correspondent- The courts have persecuted a Harare man who was involved in a road accident with the Commander of the Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio by sentencing him to 12 months in jail.
Desmond Sinoia (51) is said to have rammed into General Sibanda’s car at the intersection of Glenara and Samora Machel in Harare on 23 August.
Sending him to jail Thursday, Harare magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko also banned Sinoia from driving for the next eight months.
The accident happened when Sibanda’s aide was driving the car.
By A Correspondent- Former Zambian leader Edgar Lungu says he is still in shock and misses being at the country’s statehouse.
Lungu lost the Presidental election to his long time political rival Hikainde Hichilema.
Posting on his Twitter handle this week, Lungu said he had already missed statehouse,
” I carry with me great memories of the time I spent at State House; memories that we share with many who came as our guests. I’m thankful to the dedicated workers who made our stay memorable. My prayer is that the next residents will also create their wonderful memories,” he posted.
By A Correspondent- Another member of the Johanne Marange has been implicated in a child marriage scam.
Freddy Zonde (35) of Muzarabani is reportedly staying with a 13-year-old local girl who was in Grade 7 at Muringazuva Primary School.
This is happening at time when the nation is still to come to terms with the death of 14-year-old Anna Machaya due to labour complications in Marange recently.
Realising that the protests could result in him being arrested for marrying an under-age girl, Zonde, believed to be a vendor, is said to have whisked the young wife to St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.
Information on the marriage is being closely guarded by members of the community, which comprises mostly of the Apostolic sect members. The Herald visited the homestead of Zonde’s parents and interviewed family members with assistance from ward councillor, Alderman Norman Chizeya. Zonde’s father, Samuel Zonde, confirmed the marriage.
“It is true (that he married). He took the girl and went with her to Harare. He thought that nothing would happen. “He had no idea the case will stir a lot of interest. “Most of the people talking about this issue are fighting my family,” he said.
The father added that there were no problems with the in-laws, and they are not opening up about the case to strangers. All the other three wives are at Zonde’s father’s homestead. When The Herald later visited the homestead of the girl’s parents, no one was home and all doors were locked.
A villager who spoke on condition of anonymity said the community was angered by the marriage of Maria, adding that the girl’s parents never spoke against the marriage or reported the matter to the police, indicating they agreed to the union.
“To people, they are denying that she is married but we know that she eloped to the 35-year-old as the fourth wife. Her mother is at the forefront of the arranged marriage,” he said.
“Initially, he wanted to marry the girl’s sister, but he was beaten to her by another church member who came first and married her. Since the community started probing the issue, his cellphones are not reachable.”
Alderman Chizeya said the girl’s case was heartbreaking, and one of the many cases that go unrecorded. He added that ending child marriages was key to achieving Vision 2030 and the police must follow up on where the child was taken and take her back home so that she continues with education.
“The parents are involved and they must be held accountable. We must lead by example and we don’t tolerate child marriages,” he said. The village head, Mr Noahs Mashinye, said he was unaware of the marriage as the parties never approached him, although he has heard the rumour.
“I receive reports of such cases and we don’t tolerate child marriages. I hear about the case in the grapevine but I don’t deal with hearsay,” said. Mr Mashinye. “We work closely with councillors, health officers and the neighbourhood watch members.
“The people involved (the husband and wife) never approached me. The alleged perpetrator does not stay in the village as he is based in Harare.” Chief Muzarabani, born Alphonse Chuzu, said he had no idea about the case because such incidents were treated as top “secrets”.
The chief confirmed that child marriages among the Marange Apostolic sect were rife, adding that they had become a “culture”, among sect members. Married women in the sect allegedly sweet-talk young girls to join the marriage and become co-wives, said the chief.
Chief Muzarabani added there was need to engage the church leader since he is revered, so that he could be encouraged to change the harmful practices happening within the church.
“The village has nine village heads all from the church and when we try to probe such incidents, they deny and say such things don’t happen in their church,” said Chief Muzarabani.
“Church members know about all the developments and the young girl and her parents are in agreement. “The person who set such laws in the church is the only one who can repeal them. If not, all your prisons cells will be filled with the perpetrators and nothing will change.”
Another 35-Year-Old Johanne Marange Congregate Takes Girl (13) As 4th Wife!
Chief Muzarabani spoke strongly against child marriages, which he said were detrimental to economic development. “It is difficult to preside over these apostolic sect members before the traditional court for the child marriages cases because the practice is lawful in their church.
“The only solution is to engage their leader and he is the only one who can liberate the congregants from such laws. Muzarabani topped the list of child marriages and due to awareness campaigns, we are witnessing a decline in the practice.
“Let these young girls grow; it is our duty as a community to protect them. Parents need to play a central role in securing the girl child,” said Chief Muzarabani.
Community childcare worker Chipo Sakala, said they have put in place a robust protection system to protect children against emotional, s.e.xual and physical abuse.
“We have received tremendous support in caring for vulnerable children. We work together with our traditional leaders and we don’t hesitate to report cases of child abuse.
“We heard about the girl’s case, and although church members are denying it, police have been contacted,” said Mrs Sakala. Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Ndliwayo said investigations were underway.
By A Correspondent- Zambia’s opposition leader and former President Edgar Lungu has turned to God for healing the election defeat wounds.
Lungu lost the Presidental election to his long time rival Hikainde Hichilema two weeks ago.
On his Twitter handle Thursday, Lungu said he was turning to God for healing the election defeat.
I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. Psalm 3:5 It is a wonderful thing to realise that God is the one who sustains our lives and that His ear listens when we cry out to Him.
The below video from source is of the boasting socialite, Mudiwa Hood duping church members (through offerings) while falsely claiming that the South African Revenue Service has cancelled their debts. He was at the time fronting for his mentor Uebert Angel and also present at the function was the Mnangagwa publicist, Passion Java. After the stupor, the trio quickly rushes to collect offerings from the unsuspecting church members, after misleading them that the anointing made SARS cancel the debts. VIDEO
By A Correspondent- Barely a week after losing the Presidential election and handing over power to the opposition, former Zambian leader Edgar Lungu said he missed being in the statehouse.
Lungu lost the Presidental election to his long time political rival Hikainde Hichilema.
Posting on his Twitter handle this week, Lungu said he had already missed statehouse,
” I carry with me great memories of the time I spent at State House; memories that we share with many who came as our guests. I’m thankful to the dedicated workers who made our stay memorable. My prayer is that the next residents will also create their wonderful memories,” he posted.
By A Correspondent-Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has brewed another diplomatic storm after he accused foreign embassies of funding the private press to soil his Boss.
Charamba made the accusations through a posting on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter account. He was responding to a story in Thursday’s Newsday, reporting on his reckless statement against the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema.
” CHECK WHO NOW WORRIES ABOUT PRESIDENT E.D. MNANGAGWA’S IMAGE: Those who profit from reflexively soiling it, publication day-in, publication day-out! Thank God their newsletter just has a handful of inconsequential readers, however much those foreign embassies pour in!! My daily,” he posted.
Paris Saint Germain have confirmed Kylian Mbappe is pushing for an exit at Parc des Princes.
The 22-year old is now in the final year of his contract at the French giants, and has yet to agree on a contract extension.
Real Madrid are being touted as a potential destination for the striker and a €160 million (£137m/$188m) bid was submitted earlier this week.
PSG’s sporting director Leonardo, however, has claimed Madrid are behaving “illegally” in their pursuit of the forward.
Leonardo said: “Kylian Mbappé wants to leave, that seems clear. If Real Madrid are making an offer, that seems clear… Me I am giving a position, that, I think, is clear for everyone.
“We cannot, the week before the end of the window, change our plans. If he wants to leave, we will not hold him back, but on our terms.”
He added: “In terms of our position on Real, it seems like a strategy to try to get a no from us, to show that they have tried everything and to wait for a year to get him for free.
“For the last 2 years, Real Madrid have been behaving like this, it is not correct, illegal even because they contacted the player. It is unacceptable for us, because it is not correct.
“It is proof of the strategy: an offer comes 1 year before the end of his contract and 7 days before the end of the window. They want us to reject to show to Kylian that they tried everything and to start negotiating for next year.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has joined the calls for the UK government to exempt players from red-listed countries from the mandatory quarantine upon their return from international duty during the September window.
Several African countries, including Zimbabwe, have been affected by this stance as clubs are now refusing to release the players to avoid the quarantine.
The Warriors stand to miss the services of seven players in the World Cup Qualifiers – Group G games against South Africa in Harare on September 3 and away in Ethiopia four days later.
The stars include Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Luton striker Admiral Muskwe, Ipswich forward Macauley Bonne, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, David Moyo of Hamilton Academical and Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa.
In a statement, Infantino said he has written to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the issue.
“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer,” said the FIFA boss.
“I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
Tinashe Sambiri | MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described George Charamba’s crude language against perceived Zanu PF opponents as high-sounding gobbledygook meant to silence dissenting voices.
Hon Sikhala also dismissed Charamba’s feeble and futile political grandstanding meant to confuse the citizens of Zimbabwe.
“The pontification of George Charamba @Jamwanda2 against @daddyhope is a choreographed plot by the regime to besmirch & silence him 4ever as the nation is geared for 2023.
After my afternoon tweet whisperers rushed to inform me that @daddyhope is in trouble.
When you see people like George Charamba @Jamwanda2 spending acres of space attacking you , you must know urikubata panyama inorwadza. Rather you must bring more intensity to the attack against the regime @daddyhope and others must intensify. We are winning the war,” argued Hon Sikhala.
By Dorrothy Moyo | Emmerson Mnangagwa is preparing to drop Poladite Douglas Mwonzora, latest indications show.
A top ZANU PF protégé for economic development, the former Deputy Finance Minister Terence Mukupe, has flung the stick for Zimbabwe to follow the Botswana and Kenyan models of leadership in which the real opposition leader is given a mini role in running the country.
Mukupe has a reputation of several years as ZANU PF’s young face for policy formulation, and his statement is widely viewed as a yardstick for what is about to happen inside the ruling party.
He earlier in the week released the below statement saying:
My mentor, General XX, has asked me to stay off social media and to stop commenting on political things but I’m sorry I just couldn’t help it on this one…
Our politics in Zimbabwe needs to mature…
I as Terence Mukupe believe that our politics in Zimbabwe needs to mature if we are to get anywhere as a country… I’m happy that my significant military friends do agree..
It’s a well known fact that I don’t like Tendai Biti as a person, our kids were at the same school and we’d be at the same school events and would not even greet each other… It’s a fact that Tendai Biti’s right hand man Jacob Mafume has been my child hood friend and if I was to die today, he probably would be there running around at my funeral taking charge of events… likewise I have a very cordial relationship with Chamisa … I have no problem with what the MDC purports they want to do for our country as long as it advances the well being of our people
The same scenario above is true even within my own Party Zanu PF, there are people in my party I will not even greet and who likewise are sickened by my mere presence… and there are those that have true brotherly love for me… I also strongly believe in what is enshrined in the constitution of Zanu PF and the advancement of the original principles of our party… pasi nevanoda kuita Zimbabwe a private company yekungo mora!!
The problem we have in our country is that of intolerance. We have an opposition that has become a master at agitation propaganda … such-as the abductions, job Sikhala having sadza nemazai in the bush lol…and wanting power at all costs even if it means the ordinary person suffers. On our part as Zanu PF I strongly believe we can do more in accommodating those in the opposition in advancement of the national agenda… truly and sincerely open up the zbc radio and tv… we can’t have the same three people dominating news everyday…
The recent inauguration of HH in Zambia gave me pause. I’ve had the chance of interacting with HH once before and he definitely is a very sharp gentleman and whom I believe will give it his all to build on the good work done by my Sekuru Lungu. I know my friends from the KK family such as Duncan and Lekela Kaunda are elated with the election results.
Forget the Famba Dougie Famba craze… It’s a fact that the two most important people politically at the moment in the eyes of the ordinary person are my President ED and Advocate Chamisa. I know first hand behind the public grandstanding, generally the two gentleman respect each other even as they differ fundamentally politically. Their differences are ideological and not on a personal level… Chamisa when we have engaged, speaks glowingly of my President and more so on my favourite and very capable General Chiwenga whom I can’t wait to become the next President!!!
Some history lesson for you.
When Jomo Kenyatta died in 1978, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, his first Vice-President, with whom they had fallen out politically, attended the lying-in-state of the body at State House, Nairobi, and wept too after saying a prayer in Dholuo. After the dirge, he told the media he had no fundamental differences with Kenyatta. Fast forward both fathers are dead and the sons have taken center stage. In both official and personal interactions, President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga address each other as “ndugu” (brother). Raila at times officiates at functions on behalf of the President!!!
The Botswana President often has the leader of the opposition accompanying him… as he did at HH’s inauguration.
What Zimbabwe needs is generational consensus. VaMugabe and Tsvangirai are our Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga combo… we have turned a new leaf with the second republic… let’s be more accommodative off each other…
The toxic agitation propaganda isn’t getting us anywhere… I just want a better Zimbabwe for my children. It pains me that the bulk of us politicians have our kids in developed countries enjoying their best lives and yet here in Zim we engage in politics of self hate…
At some point something has to give and generational consensus has to carry the day!!!
Signed Off
Terence Mukupe
Cell Member
Kaware Branch
Chibara District
Zanu PF Hurungwe North
Tinashe Sambiri | MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described George Charamba’s crude language against perceived Zanu PF opponents as high-sounding gobbledygook meant to silence dissenting voices.
Hon Sikhala also dismissed Charamba’s feeble and futile political grandstanding meant to confuse the citizens of Zimbabwe.
“The pontification of George Charamba @Jamwanda2 against @daddyhope is a choreographed plot by the regime to besmirch & silence him 4ever as the nation is geared for 2023.
After my afternoon tweet whisperers rushed to inform me that @daddyhope is in trouble.
When you see people like George Charamba @Jamwanda2 spending acres of space attacking you , you must know urikubata panyama inorwadza. Rather you must bring more intensity to the attack against the regime @daddyhope and others must intensify. We are winning the war,” argued Hon Sikhala.
IMF FUNDS MUST BE DISBURSED TRANSPARENTLY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE
In August 2021, the IMF implemented a general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) equivalent to about US$650 billion. (SDR 456 billion). Zimbabwe has been allocated an equivalent of US$961m. Zimbabwe is automatically entitled to SDRs by virtue of it being a member country of the IMF. Contrary to the assertion made by Minister Mthuli Ncube, this is not a “vote of confidence” in the economy but a standard allocation that is made to all IMF members regardless of how their economies are faring.
This is not the first time that Zimbabwe has received SDRs. After the global financial crisis of 2008, the IMF released SDRs to help member states.
Under the MDC Ministry of Finance, Hon. Tendai Biti, the government of the day used the SDR’s responsibly to strengthen the country’s reserves and pay back its loans to IMF. Of the US$400m received by Zimbabwe in 2009, US$140m was used to settle IMF arrears.
By showing the world that Zimbabwe was prudent and keen on solving its external debt problem, we built goodwill with bilateral and multilateral lenders. This was a precursor to the LIMA debt management plan of 2016.
Zimbabwe’s debt problem is a time bomb that affects not only the current generation but future generations as well. The best we can do for the future of our country is ensure the next generation inherits a prosperous nation and not one laden with onerous high interest debt.
In light of this, the SDRs received by Zimbabwe should in the IMF’s own words, help “ the economic conjuncture and the stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequacy of reserves, the availability of fiscal and monetary policy space, domestic and external debt sustainability and financial stability, financing constraints, and other country-specific factors.”
The IMF went further to note the risk of misusing SDR’s in countries with “unsustainable debt or weak governance.” The current levels of corruption in the country and our unsustainable debt is precisely what the IMF is warning against. The risk of mis-use is very high.
At the same time the precarious macro-economic environment which requires attention could be delayed. Zanu PF, given a bit of fiscal space, heading towards an election is likely to use the money for electioneering if not held to account.
The past is replete with examples of how the regime misuses funds to fund election campaigns. There is no reason to believe this time it will be any different.
As a government in waiting, our priority is to be vigilant and call for transparency and stronger scrutiny of how the SDR’s will be disbursed. They must be used for the benefit of the people and not be looted by political elites. Safety nets must be availed to the poor.
We call for the Auditor-General’s office to be further capacitated to audit, monitor and report timeously to the people of Zimbabwe on how these funds are being disbursed.
We further urge journalists and citizens to be alert and expose corruption wherever it manifests and to demand accountability.
By holding government to account, we will ensure the SDR’s reach the intended vulnerable members of our society and be used in the fight against Covid-19.
IMF FUNDS MUST BE DISBURSED TRANSPARENTLY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE
In August 2021, the IMF implemented a general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) equivalent to about US$650 billion. (SDR 456 billion). Zimbabwe has been allocated an equivalent of US$961m. Zimbabwe is automatically entitled to SDRs by virtue of it being a member country of the IMF. Contrary to the assertion made by Minister Mthuli Ncube, this is not a “vote of confidence” in the economy but a standard allocation that is made to all IMF members regardless of how their economies are faring.
This is not the first time that Zimbabwe has received SDRs. After the global financial crisis of 2008, the IMF released SDRs to help member states.
Under the MDC Ministry of Finance, Hon. Tendai Biti, the government of the day used the SDR’s responsibly to strengthen the country’s reserves and pay back its loans to IMF. Of the US$400m received by Zimbabwe in 2009, US$140m was used to settle IMF arrears.
By showing the world that Zimbabwe was prudent and keen on solving its external debt problem, we built goodwill with bilateral and multilateral lenders. This was a precursor to the LIMA debt management plan of 2016.
Zimbabwe’s debt problem is a time bomb that affects not only the current generation but future generations as well. The best we can do for the future of our country is ensure the next generation inherits a prosperous nation and not one laden with onerous high interest debt.
In light of this, the SDRs received by Zimbabwe should in the IMF’s own words, help “ the economic conjuncture and the stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequacy of reserves, the availability of fiscal and monetary policy space, domestic and external debt sustainability and financial stability, financing constraints, and other country-specific factors.”
The IMF went further to note the risk of misusing SDR’s in countries with “unsustainable debt or weak governance.” The current levels of corruption in the country and our unsustainable debt is precisely what the IMF is warning against. The risk of mis-use is very high.
At the same time the precarious macro-economic environment which requires attention could be delayed. Zanu PF, given a bit of fiscal space, heading towards an election is likely to use the money for electioneering if not held to account.
The past is replete with examples of how the regime misuses funds to fund election campaigns. There is no reason to believe this time it will be any different.
As a government in waiting, our priority is to be vigilant and call for transparency and stronger scrutiny of how the SDR’s will be disbursed. They must be used for the benefit of the people and not be looted by political elites. Safety nets must be availed to the poor.
We call for the Auditor-General’s office to be further capacitated to audit, monitor and report timeously to the people of Zimbabwe on how these funds are being disbursed.
We further urge journalists and citizens to be alert and expose corruption wherever it manifests and to demand accountability.
By holding government to account, we will ensure the SDR’s reach the intended vulnerable members of our society and be used in the fight against Covid-19.
By A Correspondent- Five people died on the spot while 10 others were injured after a Nissan Caravan carrying 22 passengers veered off the road, overturned and landed on its roof near the 97km peg along the Mutare-Masvingo highway on Monday night.
The deceased were taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were admitted to Nyanyadzi Hospital. The deceased are: four females who have been identified by police as Praises Mubayadzirere (31) of Gimboki in Mutare, Kudzai Sigauke (41) of Yemurai Village under Chief Marange, Linda Mazemo (51) of 4595 Hobhouse in Mutare, Alice Gadha (41) of 945 Density in Mutare.
The only male victim is Simbarashe Mubare (13) of 502 Area 13, Dangamvura in Mutare.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of five people who died in a road traffic accident which occurred near Nenhowe Business Centre along Mutare-Masvingo Road on 23 August 2021 at 2030hrs.
“On approaching the 97km peg, a Nissan Caravan with 22 people on board which was travelling towards Birchenough Bridge veered off the road, overturned and landed on its rights side.”
Asst Comm Nyathi urged motorists to observe the Government’s curfew regulations and the ban on intercity movements.
A number of lives have been lost on the country’s highways in the last few weeks, mostly at night.
By A Correspondent- Samsung televisions stolen during the looting last month in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have been “blocked” so that criminals won’t be able to use them.
Samsung’s Cato Ridge distribution centre was raided during the unrest, but all of the stolen televisions were equipped with a “television block function”, the company said in a statement.
That means televisions can be disabled remotely.
Samsung activated the “TV block” function on all its TVs stolen on 11 July.
The blocking comes into effect when the user of a stolen television connects to the internet, in order to operate the television.
Once connected, the serial number of the television is identified on the Samsung server and the blocking system is implemented, disabling all the television’s functions.
“The aim of the technology is to mitigate against the creation of secondary markets linked to the sale of illegal goods, both in South Africa and beyond its borders,” said Mike van Lier, director of consumer electronics at Samsung South Africa in a statement.
The technology is already pre-loaded on all Samsung TV products, the company said in a statement.
Should a customer’s TV be incorrectly blocked, the functionality can be reinstated once proof of purchase and a valid TV licence are shared with Samsung.
By A Correspondent- ANC offices throughout the country will be closed on Thursday as a result of a planned strike action by workers.
This follows repeated challenges of late salary payments.
In June, disgruntled workers took to the streets after they were informed in April that their salaries would be late. As previously reported, the party said the problem of late payment will continue for the next three to six months due to ongoing financial problems.
The ruling party’s financial woes started in December 2019 and the situation worsened in April and June this year.
In a letter to staff on Wednesday, the ANC general manager Febe Potgieter indicated that the party’s finances were not in good shape.
“This is to indicate that we are not yet in a position to pay outstanding salaries for July 2021. Unfortunately, August 2021 salaries, due on the 25th of this month, will be delayed. I do regret the hardship and the uncertainty that this cause (to) staff and their families, and this is deeply regrettable.
“This is the first time that we are delayed with three months payment,” Potgieter said.
Just hours later, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe issued a statement on the planned industrial action set to kick off tomorrow.
“The ANC management has received notice from ANC staff that as from today, 26 August 2021, they will go on strike in support of grievances submitted on 15 June 2021, including the payments of late salaries.
“As a result of this wildcat strike, ANC offices throughout the country will be closed as of tomorrow. The ANC management will continue to engage with staff representatives on their grievances, with a view to find a solution so that we can resume normal operations,” said Mabe.
By A Correspondent- A vendor in Chivhu was severely mauled by police dogs on Sunday and then made to pay a fine of ZWL$1 000 for allegedly violating current Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Police officers on patrol allegedly unleashed dogs on Enerty Chimedza, accusing her of remaining at her vending stall after the 3:30 pm business cut off time.
Chimedza is appealing to members of the public to assist her with money to buy prescription medicine given her by the doctor for the wounds. The drugs prescribed for her treatment cost US$140.
Speaking to Masvingo Mirror, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiii said he was yet to receive the report.
He said:
I am yet to receive that report however what the police officers did is not acceptable and why could they hide the Memo pertaining to such a tragic incident.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) spokesperson Kumbirai Mafunda condemned the police brutality describing the incident as a true sign of human rights abuse by the law enforcement agencies.
He said:
We condemn this kind of brutality by the police on this poor woman.
We are concerned about increasing cases across the country where the police are not executing their duty professionally.
They should not take the law into their hands and they should respect human rights.
Chimedza said that vendors at the market stall close at 3.30 pm but they leave one person to guard their wares until 6 pm when a security guard comes for the night shift.
She said: On this day I was on duty to guard the wares until the guard came. Police details found me at the market and accused me of violating COVID-19 regulations by doing business after 3. 30pm. They assaulted me before unleashing their dogs on me.
After her arrest, Chimedza was taken to Chivhu Police Station. She was made to pay ZWL$1 000 despite having been injured.
Chimedza said she was only given a letter by the police on Monday to get treatment at Chivhu General Hospital.
She went to see Chivhu General Hospital nurses on Monday and got a prescription for injections which cost US$140. The nurses told her that there were no drugs at the hospital.
Police did not bother to get her treated for the wounds and the spokesperson Chazovachiii said he was going to make a follow up on the issue.
Ward 9 Councillor Christopher Muchenje described the Police action as barbaric and lamented the concerned cops for showing no remorse for their heavy-handedness.
Meanwhile, vendors in Chivhu also accused cops of demanding sex from the women that they arrest and this is one of the conditions for getting one’s freedom.
They also accused Police in Chivhu of corruption and in particular they go around the small town taking bribes.
